- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- Daniels throws five TDs as Commanders down Eagles, Lions and Vikings win
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 35
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Mbappe back from 'bottom' as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- France kept on tenterhooks over new government
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- 'Nervous' Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Germany pledges security inquest into Christmas market attack
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury says promoter Hearn
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
- Understated Usyk seeks recognition among boxing legends
- France awaits appointment of new government
Biden unveils $3 bn US ports boost, takes aim at Trump
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled a $3 billion investment towards port infrastructure in Maryland -- and took a swipe at Republican White House candidate Donald Trump a week before Election Day.
Biden's visit to the port of Baltimore, a key auto industry hub, came as his Vice President Kamala Harris remains in a tight contest with Trump for the right to succeed him.
"I'm proud to announce we're delivering $3 billion in funding from my Inflation Reduction Act to help clean up and modernize ports in 27 different states and territories, from Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and beyond, including yes, Puerto Rico," he said.
Biden's jab came after a firestorm over a warm-up comedian at Trump's weekend rally in New York called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage."
Trump's campaign has since tried to distance the former president from the remarks.
Biden also played up his administration's efforts to modernize US infrastructure, saying his predecessor Trump has not done the same.
He pointed to investments from his government's policies going more to Republican-leaning states than Democratic ones, alongside the country's pandemic recovery.
"We're seeing the great American comeback," he said.
The White House said Tuesday that funds from the Inflation Reduction Act -- a package of energy transition policy and social reforms -- will go towards improving and electrifying port infrastructure.
This involves supporting purchases of battery- and hydrogen-powered equipment, including those used to handle cargo, alongside charging and fueling infrastructure.
The grants include $147 million in awards for the Maryland Port Administration.
US ports hire more than 100,000 union workers across the country.
As Election Day draws close, both Harris and Trump have been fighting to win over blue-collar workers, especially in swing states.
The grants announced Tuesday come under a "clean ports" program that authorities hope can improve air quality by installing "clean, zero-emission freight and ferry technologies along with associated infrastructure."
The aim is to eliminate more than three million metric tons of carbon pollution over 10 years.
"It's imperative to clean up our ports as soon as possible to alleviate serious public health issues," said Terrance Bankston, senior ports and freights campaigner at environmental nonprofit Friends of the Earth.
Biden's visit comes months after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in March, which closed ship traffic in and out of the port of Baltimore and killed six workers.
H.E.Young--AMWN